1. Residential customers
  2. Information
  3. Drinking Water Quality
  4. Keeping The Lead Out

Learn About Lead

Loudoun Water’s distribution system is lead free. The term distribution system is used to collectively describe the facilities, pipe, and other equipment used to supply water from its source up to the privately owned service line. The purpose of distribution system is to deliver water to the consumer with appropriate quality, quantity and pressure. The privately owned service line typically begins at the water meter near the edge of the property being serviced. The homeowner (consumer) is responsible for the service line, 

It is important, however, for consumers to understand how lead can enter your drinking water, the risks, and how to prevent exposure.

Sources of Lead
Harmful Effects of Lead
History of Lead Service Lines
What's in My Drinking Water?

Do I Have a Lead Service Line?

Graphic represents a typical residential service line where the privately owned portion of the service line goes from the meter to the building.

FAQs

Q: Was your property built after August 1,1978?

A: If the answer is yes, it is highly unlikely that you have a lead service line.

Q: Was your property built before August 1,1978?

A: If the answer is yes, there is the possibility that a lead service line exists on your property.

Q: My property was built before August 1,1978. How can I determine if my service line is made of lead?

A: There are various methods of confirming the material of your service line. The following types of documents may be a helpful place to start before contacting a plumber.

1. Homeowner Inspection Reports

2. Contractor/Plumber Reports

3. Building Plans

4. Records of a Service Line Replacement

Q: I have located documentation stating the material of my service line. What should I do with this?

A: Please provide an electronic copy of this documentation to Loudoun Water HERE. Upon completion of the service line inventory in 2024, your property’s service line material status will be updated accordingly.

Q: Loudoun Water’s records state that my service line is Unknown. What does that mean?

A: EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) require all utilities to identify whether the material of a water service line is lead or not. If your service line is listed as Unknown, it means documentation has not been received or an opportunity to expose the service line and verify material has not yet happened. If you have documentation that can help verify that material or your service line, please submit this at https://www.loudounwater.org/content/submit-water-service-line-information.

Q. How can I reduce my exposure to lead in drinking water?

 

  • Flush faucets before using water for cooking or drinking: Run your cold water tap until you notice a temperature change, then run for an additional two minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This brings in fresh water from the lead-free water main in the street. (Conservation Tip: save the water for other purposes, such as plant watering)
  • Use only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking and especially for making baby formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead.
  • Use filtered tap water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula: Be sure to select a filter certified to meet NSF Standard 53 (www.nsf.org) for lead removal.
  • Clean faucet aerators every three months.